Buttercream Eighteen Birthday Cake

Name: Buttercream Eighteen Birthday Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 slices
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring, optional; Sprinkles for decoration, optional

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’ve always believed that a birthday celebration deserves a special cake, and this Buttercream Eighteen Birthday Cake hits all the right notes. It features a fluffy vanilla sponge layered with luscious buttercream frosting, making it the perfect centerpiece for any birthday party. Every bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and creamy texture, elevating any occasion. Decorating it with vibrant sprinkles and candles makes it even more festive. Whether it’s your 18th birthday or just a celebration of life, this cake promises to delight everyone at the gathering.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:10:19.072Z

When I first baked this Buttercream Eighteen Birthday Cake for a close friend's birthday, I was surprised by how much joy it brought to everyone. The combination of soft vanilla layers and rich, buttery frosting was an absolute hit. I used a simple decoration technique with colorful sprinkles that made the cake visually exciting and added an extra crunch that everyone enjoyed.

What really stood out to me was how versatile this cake can be. I experimented with flavors and added lemon zest for a refreshing twist, and it worked beautifully! This cake can easily be customized for any special occasion, and the fixed buttercream recipe never fails to impress.

Why You'll Love This Cake
Decadent layers of fluffy vanilla sponge
Light and creamy buttercream frosting
Colorful and festive decoration for any birthday

Achieving the Perfect Cake Texture

The key to achieving a light and fluffy vanilla sponge is in the creaming method. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before beating it with sugar. This process incorporates air into the butter, making the cake rise beautifully. Mix until the mixture appears pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes, which is critical for the sponge’s structure.

When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, do it in stages. Start with a third of the flour mixture followed by half the milk, repeating until everything is incorporated. This gradual mixing helps to prevent overworking the batter, which can result in a dense texture rather than the airy sponge we desire.

Buttercream Secrets for Success

A creamy buttercream frosting is a delightful aspect of this cake, and the key is in the butter's temperature. Start with butter that is softened but still slightly cool—this creates a perfect smoothness without becoming too greasy. Beat it until it’s fluffy, and then gradually add the powdered sugar. This prevents sugar clouds and ensures a silky texture.

If your buttercream is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, simply add more powdered sugar. Remember, the goal is a spreadable frosting that will hold its shape on the cake, especially when decorated with sprinkles.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring, optional
Sprinkles for decoration, optional

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, mixing well after each addition.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes clean.

Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, followed by milk and vanilla.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, place the second layer, and frost the sides and top.

Decorate

Add sprinkles and any additional decorations as desired, and your cake is ready to celebrate!

Pro Tips

For a more intense flavor, consider adding a hint of almond extract. Additionally, ensure your butter is at room temperature to create a smooth frosting.

Storing and Making Ahead

This Buttercream Eighteen Birthday Cake can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy celebrators. You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This method enhances the flavor while maintaining moisture, allowing you to frost the cake closer to serving time.

For the buttercream, you can also prepare it in advance. Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to assemble the cake, simply take it out, and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. If it seems too firm, beat it briefly until spreadable.

Customizing Your Cake

Feel free to experiment with flavor variations! If you'd like a chocolate cake, substitute half of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and adjust the sugar slightly to balance the added bitterness. For added depth, you can incorporate different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist.

Decorations are another area where you can make this cake your own. While colorful sprinkles add festive flair, you could also opt for fresh fruit, edible flowers, or themed cake toppers matching your party. These little touches not only personalize the cake but can also influence its overall taste display.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly and store them at room temperature.

→ What alternatives can I use for the frosting?

You can use cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.